Kern, the lone vote against ending talks, was disappointed the partnership didn’t work out.

“While I do not speak for the whole council, I believe regionalization of police forces is the fiscally prudent thing to do,” Kern said Friday in an e-mail. “I cast the lone vote on August 16 to continue those discussions as I hoped to find a way to work out an agreement that would be fair to Pohatcong and Lopatcong Townships.”

Pohatcong Township attorney Kevin Benbrook said the municipal building was planned before talks of a regional police force.

“The police department and municipality as a whole determined the building had outlasted its usefulness before regional police discussion began,” Benbrook said Friday.

Benbrook added that the new facility has an enhanced police department that could accommodate a regional police department.

The main reason for Pohatcong's withdrawal was that New Jersey Civil Service requirements would have placed Lopatcong police Chief Scott Marinelli ahead of Pohatcong police Chief Paul Hager.

Hager did not return phone calls on Friday asking for comment.

“If the people were given the choice of who would lead their departments, not Trenton, I think more of these projects would get off the ground,” Kern said. "Instead, the hands of local elected officials are being tied by burdensome legislation that does not allow the municipality to explore the best options for the taxpayer.”

Pohatcong Councilman Kenneth Schick said the townships could reopen talks.